Second Chance Education
Presently there is a huge amount of opportunities for adults who feel they didn't make full use of their first chance in education. Over the past few years a range of programmes has been developed to facilitate adults who want to return to education. The aim of second-chance education and further education is to give learners a second-chance education in a non-threatening environment that is learner centred. All these programmes have a friendly and adult feel to them. Your needs are respected in a personalised and caring manner.
Evening Courses and Day Courses
Schools, colleges and community education groups offer a wide variety of daytime, evening, full-time and part-time courses for adult learners. The programmes offered range from courses helping you to develop a hobby or interest, right through to courses from which a Post Leaving Certificate qualification can be gained.
For further information, contact the Adult Education Officer in your local VEC or to read more about Second Chance and Further Education click here.
Post Leaving Certificate Courses
VECs through Colleges of Further Education throughout Ireland provide Post Leaving Certificate courses in a wide range of disciplines and subjects. These courses are offered to school leavers and adults who wish to return to education. The courses are designed to prepare students for work by giving them specific skills and training and also act as a stepping-stone to other third level qualifications at ITs, universities or other colleges. The entry requirements for a mature student entering a further education course usually include either the standard Leaving Certificate or an equivalent qualification or experiential learning. Post Leaving Certificates (PLCs) are overseen by the FETAC awards scheme.
To read more about entry to Post Leaving Certificate courses click here
Travellers Training Centres
Throughout the country there are a number of Traveller Training Centres that cater for the educational , training and personal development needs of the Traveller community. Courses on offer range from basic education to Leaving Certificate and FETAC accredited courses.
To read more about Traveller Training Centre and other second-chance education programmes click here.
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
This scheme offers full-time courses for people over 21 who have been in receipt of a Social Welfare payment or signing for credits for at least 6 months. It allows learners to study for Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, FETAC awards and Post Leaving Certificate courses. For further information visit www.vtos.ie or to download a copy of the AONTAS Information Booklet click here.
Back to Education Initiative (BTEI)
The Back to Education Initiative provides part-time Further Education programmes for young people and adults. The aim is to give people an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. Those in receipt of unemployment payments or means-tested social welfare benefits, and holders of medical cards, and their dependants, are entitled to free tuition. Other unwaged people with less than upper second level education will be entitled to a reduction in fees. Everyone else will be charged a participation fee.
For more information on this initiative click here.
